“Yes,” she whispered, dropping to her knees, to join him. “I will. I want to. Yes. Yes!”
The gold was warm against her skin when Reggie slipped theMring onto her finger. Unable to contain her joy, she released a squeal of her own, threw her arms around him, and knocked him to the ground. Laughing, she curled into his embrace, under their blanket of stars.
“I promise tae get ye a ring that actually fits,” he chuckled, tucking her close.
“I don’t want a different one. This one fits my heart, perfectly,” she whispered, gazing up at him.
’Tisye, that fitsmyheart, perfectly. He leaned down and lightly nipped her bottom lip.
Amused, she pulled back a little. “What was that for?”
“So I can fix it. No matter what our future holds, love, I’ll always be there tae fix it. Starting now.”
Gently, he touched her cheek. “Does it hurt here?” He kissed the spot, leaving a touch of warmth behind. “Here?” She shivered when he brushed his lips across her temple and trailed his way to the sensitive spot below her ear. “Yes,” she whispered. “There.”
She trembled as he made his way back to her mouth.
“I ken this spot requires extra attention,” he breathed, so close she felt the tease of his feather-soft touch.
He tended to her bottom lip first, then deepened the kiss, showing her everything his love promised for their future. Joy, tenderness, passion, and maybe even a hint of magic.
Epilogue
Reginald took Lauren’s hand, pointing out three butterflies, tagging and teasing one another through a cluster of wildflowers, as they, Phoebe and Drew, walked toward the house after leaving the small cemetery by the crag.
“That was a fine tribute, Reginald,” Phoebe said, blotting the moisture from her eyes. “I think your uncle Fergus can finally rest in peace, now that he’s truly back with his family.”
Reginald felt the squeeze of Lauren’s hand, and returned it. His quest was finished. Laid to rest. He was free, now, to begin a new one in the present, with Lauren. Making her happy the rest of her days, was the only dream he wished to chase.
“How are things going, Drew?” Lauren asked. “With you here, and your father in New York?”
“Really well. I can’t believe how fast we’ve made the transition. Now that my father has fully embraced the idea, I think both he and my mother are happier than ever. I know I am.”
Drew caught Reginald’s eye. “I know you’d never ask, but since you had the courage to be completely truthful, I guess I can do the same. I’ve decided not to say anything to my father about Daniel Morhill’s connection to the Jacobite treasure. If he knows anything, he’s already carrying the burden. And if he doesn’t, I don’t need to add one, since he can’t change or fix what happened centuries ago.”
“ ’Tis a sound decision, Drew.” Reginald replied. “ ’Tis time tae look forward, no’ back.”
“I completely agree.” After a moment, Drew gave Lauren a quizzical look. “Speaking of looking forward, what about you? When are you going back to New York? Julia told me you have a book due soon.”
“Ye might as well tell him,” Reginald tried to look serious. “He’ll find out, soon enough. ’Tis like the man has second sight.”
“I’m not going back.” Lauren grinned. “Julia is shipping everything I need for the book, here. Along with a few other necessities. Then, she and Deidre will pack up my apartment. Deidre’s finally moving out of our parent’s house and decided to take over my lease. She’s always wanted to pursue her art interests but never considered herself good enough. Now, she’s ready. I couldn’t be prouder of her!”
“You’re staying?Here? How?” Drew’s face lit up. “Phoebe, have you changed your mind about selling?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
They all laughed when Lauren and Phoebe both answered at once.
“That’s wonderful news!” Drew clapped Reginald on the shoulder. “Does that mean theranch foremanis staying, as well?”
“I’m afraid he’s been fired,” Phoebe sighed. “I’ve hired a caretaker-carpenter, instead. But I’m still moving. It’s time I turn the glen over to younger, more capable hands.”
Drew brought them all to a stop and glanced around the group. “I know I’m supposed to be the ‘perceptive’ one around here, but could the three of you just spell this out for me?”
Reginald looked at Lauren, bursting with pride. “This bonny lass has agreed tae marry me.” Grinning, he turned back to Drew. “I’ll need someone tae stand up wi’ me. Do ye ken ye can handle the job?”
